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syrianotes.bsky.social
Syria Notes
@syrianotes.bsky.social
6.9K followers 430 following 1.2K posts
Informing UK policy debates on Syria. Focused on human rights and accountability.
Web: https://www.syrianotes.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SyriaNotes/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/@syrianotes5908
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syrianotes.bsky.social
Syria Notes @syrianotes.bsky.social · Jun 1
Aid cuts hit Syrian independent media just as they are most needed

We talked to Ahmad Primo of Verify Syria, Yara Bader of Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, Kholoud Helmi of Enab Baladi, and Camilla Bruun Randrup of International Media Support.
www.syrianotes.org/2025/05/free...
Syria Notes
Freedom’s price Syria Notes no. 30, spring 2025.                On the 8th of December, Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, ...
www.syrianotes.org
syrianotes.bsky.social
Syria has foiled two separate ISIS plots to assassinate Ahmed al-Sharaa, two senior officials tell Reuters.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Exclusive: Syria foiled Islamic State plots on President Sharaa's life, sources say
Syria has foiled two separate Islamic State plots to assassinate President Ahmed al-Sharaa, two senior officials said, adding a personal dimension to the leader's plans to join a U.S.-led coalition to fight the militant group that he has long battled.
www.reuters.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:42 AM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Syrian Ambassador to the UN Ibrahim Olabi: Discussions between Syria and Israel are ongoing. Security arrangements along border points, including delineations, troop numbers, and each side’s security concerns, are at the core of talks.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Olabi outlines Syria’s priorities ahead of al-Sharaa and Trump meeting - Enab Baladi
Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, stated that the country’s current priority is the economy, which will […]
english.enabbaladi.net
November 11, 2025 at 8:38 AM
syrianotes.bsky.social
What the al-Sharaa–Trump meeting covered

White House meeting addressed the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), US sanctions on Syria, and a security arrangement with Israel, Enab Baladi reports.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
What the al-Sharaa–Trump White House meeting covered - Enab Baladi
Syria’s transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, held a meeting at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump that addressed the […]
english.enabbaladi.net
November 11, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Reposted by Syria Notes
renanetjes.bsky.social
"Syria denied a Reuters report on Thursday, November 6, claiming that the United States is preparing to establish a military presence at an air base in the Syrian capital, Damascus, to help enable a security agreement Washington is mediating between Syria and Israel."
share.google/AT8rfNWOdcrg...
Damascus denies establishment of U.S. bases in southern Syria - Enab Baladi
Syria denied a Reuters report on Thursday, November 6, claiming that the United States is preparing to establish a military […]
share.google
November 7, 2025 at 8:40 AM
syrianotes.bsky.social
In post-regime Daraa, insecurity overshadows the state

Insecurity and uncontrolled weapons continue to destabilize communities and claim lives in Syria’s southern Daraa province, @walid-alnofal.bsky.social reports for @syriadirect.bsky.social.
syriadirect.org/in-post-regi...
In post-regime Daraa, insecurity overshadows the state
Nearly 11 months since the fall of the regime, simmering insecurity and uncontrolled weapons continue to destabilize communities and claim lives in Syria’s southern Daraa province.
syriadirect.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Reposted by Syria Notes
syriadirect.bsky.social
🧵 The Trump administration’s abrupt termination of Syrians’ Temporary Protected Status has left thousands scrambling for solutions before a November 21 deadline to self-deport or become undocumented.

🔗 bit.ly/4ogHqCE
People watch as the sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty—historically a symbol of immigration to the United States—in New York, 3/7/2025. Rays of light peek through the cloudy sky, which is a deep orange color that is also reflected on the surface of the water between two figures in silhouette and the statue in the distance, also in silhouette.
November 4, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Reposted by Syria Notes
My condolences to the family of Syrian human rights attorney Khalil Ma’touq, killed under torture by the Assad regime. The news has long been expected but that does not diminish the sense of loss. I worked very briefly with Khalil in 2012, enough to sense his decency, humanity, and courage.
November 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Syria’s Kidnapping Controversy

The government’s recent investigation has both exposed the scale of fabricated kidnapping claims and at the same time underplayed the reality of kidnappings in the country, Gregory Waters writes.
www.syriarevisited.com/p/syrias-kid...
Syria's Kidnapping Controversy
What the government's recent investigation gets right, and wrong
www.syriarevisited.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Reposted by Syria Notes
jonfeatonby.bsky.social
Good question from @libdemdaisy.bsky.social on Syrians waiting for a settlement decision. They were paused last Dec, as were asylum claims. Asylum claims are being processed now but not those for ILR - the Home Office can't say how many are impacted questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
November 5, 2025 at 3:25 PM
syrianotes.bsky.social
The Vanishing Act: How Assad’s top henchmen fled Syria, and justice

A @nytimes.com investigation into what happened to 55 former high ranking officials of the Assad regime.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/w...
The Vanishing Act: How Assad’s Top Henchmen Fled Syria, and Justice
www.nytimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:16 PM
syrianotes.bsky.social
“In Syria, I worked in underground hospitals, resuscitated victims of barrel bombs… treated countless refugees fleeing war and mass atrocities… I believed I had seen the worst humanity could inflict. Until Gaza.”
By @zsahloul.bsky.social for @newlinesmag.bsky.social
newlinesmag.com/first-person...
I Believed I Had Seen the Worst Humanity Could Inflict — Until Gaza
A doctor who has led four medical missions to the territory describes the war’s devastating impact on its inhabitants and hospitals — and his fellow medical professionals
newlinesmag.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:39 PM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Education on hold: How Syrian children in Lebanon are being shut out of the classroom

Government restrictions have effectively barred tens of thousands of Syrian children from school in Lebanon, as NGOs step in to teach those left behind.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/analysis/how...
How Syrian children are being shut out of Lebanon’s classrooms
Government restrictions have effectively barred tens of thousands of Syrian children from school in Lebanon, as NGOs step in to teach those left behind
www.newarab.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:23 PM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Fierce clashes broke out on Monday around the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo city, with exchanges of sniper fire and artillery between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which control the two areas.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Clashes Escalate Between Government Forces and SDF in Aleppo, Northern Syria - Enab Baladi
Fierce clashes broke out on Monday, October 6, around the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods in Aleppo (northern Syria), between […]
english.enabbaladi.net
October 7, 2025 at 8:25 AM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper

Clearsprings Ready Homes is one of three companies with 10-year Home Office contracts to provide accommodation services for asylum seekers.
— BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper
Asylum seekers and charities tell BBC of
www.bbc.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 8:10 AM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Just six women were elected to Syria’s new People’s Assembly. One, Lina Aizouki, was also the only Christian to win. 

As the remaining third of seats are to be selected by the president, Sharaa is expected to appoint more women for balance.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/sharaa-...
’Sharaa to act’ to balance Syria parliament as six women elected
Syria’s parliamentary elections saw just three percent of votes go toward women candidates, with Sharaa expected to make the house more representative.
www.newarab.com
October 6, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Reposted by Syria Notes
renanetjes.bsky.social
Reports of SDF firing at adjacent neighbourhoods in Aleppo (I was there yesterday afternoon)

Clashes in Aleppo:
October 6, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Reposted by Syria Notes
renanetjes.bsky.social
"For the 1st time since the announcement of the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood agreement in Aleppo last April, the Syrian Min. of Interior has closed the entrances to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, prohibiting entry—only exit is permitted. The reasons are unknown."

#Aleppo
October 6, 2025 at 6:11 PM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Rather than the Syrian population directly electing MPs, electoral colleges select two-thirds of them, while the remaining third will be hand-picked by the interim president himself. This naturally raises fears of state capture by Al-Sharaa.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/analysis/syr...
Syria Insight: Elections mark a fragile new chapter after Assad
Syria’s upcoming parliamentary elections appear designed to push through a legislature needed to make the state functional, amid fears of a power grab
www.newarab.com
October 5, 2025 at 9:13 PM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Syria’s People’s Assembly election: Today’s voting is restricted to members of electoral bodies selected by provincial subcommittees, with no public vote.

Of 210 seats, 70% will be elected by electoral bodies and 30% appointed by the president.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
“Electoral Silence” Begins for People’s Assembly Candidates in Syria - Enab Baladi
Candidates for Syria’s People’s Assembly entered on Saturday, October 4, a one-day “electoral silence” period, as stipulated in Decision No. […]
english.enabbaladi.net
October 5, 2025 at 7:13 AM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Amid a wave of high-profile fundraising campaigns in Syria, a $2.1mn donation from the family of Assad crony Mohammed Hamsho was condemned as a brazen attempt to launder the family’s reputation, @haidhaid22.bsky.social writes.
en.majalla.com/node/327649/...
Hamsho donations revive questions about the fate of Assad's cronies
The donations were not random acts of goodwill, but part of a calculated campaign to rehabilitate the Hamsho name, using wealth built on Syrians' suffering to buy legitimacy
en.majalla.com
October 5, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Reposted by Syria Notes
jonfeatonby.bsky.social
Granting leave to people who will either end up getting it or who can’t be removed anyway would free up enough capacity to close the hotels in around 6 months. Granting leave to people from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Sudan and Syria would do it www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/stay-informe...
Ending the use of hotels to house people seeking asylum - Refugee Council
New analysis outlines how the UK can responsibly end the use of asylum hotels within a year through a secure, practical solution.
www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
October 4, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Reposted by Syria Notes
jonfeatonby.bsky.social
This @politicshome.bsky.social article on how the Government can end the use of hotels in the asylum system misses the cheapest and quickest option - making quick grants of leave to reduce demand www.politics home.com/news/article/asylum-seeker-hotels-accommodation-military-sites
How Will Labour Meet Its Promise To Close Asylum Hotels?
After a summer of protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, the government is under renewed pressure to find alternative accommodation. What ...
www.politicshome.com
October 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Netanyahu ordered drone attacks on Gaza-bound humanitarian aid boats off Tunisia, two US intelligence officials tell CBS News.
www.cbsnews.com/news/netanya...
Netanyahu ordered drone attacks on Gaza-bound humanitarian aid boats off Tunisia, sources say
No one was hurt when two vessels that were part of a flotilla bound for Gaza mysteriously caught fire last month.
www.cbsnews.com
October 4, 2025 at 8:39 AM
syrianotes.bsky.social
Manchester synagogue attacker was on bail for alleged rape

Jihad al-Shamie was under investigation over alleged sexual attack earlier this year, @theguardian.com reports.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Manchester synagogue terrorist was on bail for alleged rape
Exclusive: Jihad al-Shamie had been under investigation over alleged sexual attack earlier this year, sources say
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Reposted by Syria Notes
bengidley.bsky.social
Statement from Syrian NGOs on yesterday’s attack, including Manchester-based Rethink Rebuild Society.

www.rrsoc.org/node/1746

syrianbritish.org/statement-fr...

Cc @sundersays.bsky.social @syrianotes.bsky.social
Statement from the Syrian Community in the UK on the Tragic Attack in Crumpsall 3rd October 2025 The Syrian community in the United Kingdom extends its deepest condolences to the Jewish community in Manchester and across the UK following today's tragic stabbing at a synagogue in Crumpsall. We are horrified by this attack, and we stand in full solidarity with our Jewish neighbours as they grieve. That such violence was carried out in a sacred place of worship, and on Yom Kippur-the holiest day of the Jewish year—makes this tragedy all the more painful. We stress unequivocally that houses of worship must remain places of peace, safety, and sanctity, never targets of hate or violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Jewish community during this most difficult time. As Syrians, we know this pain all too well. For over 15 years, Syrians of all faiths have endured devastating attacks on mosques, churches, and sacred spaces. We have buried loved ones, mourned in silence, and lived with the scars. Violence against innocent people especially in places of worship—is something we stand firmly against, wherever it happens. At this stage, no one within our Syrian community networks—neither within nor beyond Manchester-has been able to identify the individual involved in this attack or confirm knowing him personally. We appeal to our wider society not to allow this tragedy to give rise to racist incidents directed at Syrians, Muslims, or migrants. Violence must not be met with further division or hatred. At the same time, we hope this incident will not be misused to impose restrictions on freedom of expression—particularly the right to peacefully protest and speak out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The Syrian community stands alongside the Jewish community in rejecting violence, and we recommit ourselves to building a society where every community can live in dignity, security, and mutual trust.
October 3, 2025 at 10:47 AM